N. Oosterloo, J. Kratzer and M.C. Achterkamp
The purpose of this paper is to identify lead users within social networks of young adults between 14 and 17 years of age.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify lead users within social networks of young adults between 14 and 17 years of age.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire and the SAGS‐method were used to collect data within seven high schools in the north of The Netherlands. These data were used to empirically test five hypotheses using the variables which could enable the identification of lead users. A multiple regression analysis was used to test the predictive value of the variables. The analysis was complemented with a qualitative analysis of the collected data.
Findings
The main characteristics which identify lead users among adults can also be used with young adults. Those young adults who are more likely to be a lead user, are more ahead of a trend and have a higher amount of expected benefit. They also display more expertise than other young adults.
Research limitations/implications
The variable of perceived information benefits could complement the variables used for identifying lead users among young adults, but further research is necessary. Because the focus is on only one specific product, the generalizability of the results from this research is limited. Further research should include different products or services in different domains of interest. The variables of perceived information benefits and efficiency did not have a significant positive relation with lead userness, but further research is needed.
Practical implications
The identification of lead users could be valuable to organizations that focus on young adults in the age range 14 to 17 years and could lead to significant commercial benefits. Young adults are a large potential market and the identification of lead users within this target group could help organizations
Originality/value
Research on lead user theory is mainly focused on adults or organizations. This article tries to fill this research gap by focusing on young adults. It is an extension of the research of Kratzer and Lettl, Kunst and Kratzer and Molenmaker et al. who focused on children from 8 to 12 years old.
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Sze Ling Ng, Sajad Rezaei, Naser Valaei and Mohammad Iranmanesh
The objective of this study is to examine the drivers of retail apps satisfaction and continuance intention. An integrative theoretical framework was developed based on the IS…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to examine the drivers of retail apps satisfaction and continuance intention. An integrative theoretical framework was developed based on the IS success model, E-S-QUAL and expectancy and disconfirmation model to explain retail apps users’ satisfaction and continuance intention.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 359 useable data were collected from the targeted Malaysian respondents who had experience in using retail apps services. Data were analysed using the partial least squares technique.
Findings
The results indicate that system quality and e-service quality positively influence retail apps usage satisfaction and have positive direct and indirect effects through satisfaction on continuance intention. The price level has a negative effect on retail apps usage satisfaction. Even though price level has no direct effect on continuance intention to use retail apps, it has an indirect effect on continuance intention through satisfaction.
Originality/value
Although the success of a marketing channel mainly depends on its continuance usage rather than first-time usage, few studies have paid attention to retail apps services. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge on retail apps by explaining the roles of system quality, e-service quality and price level on retail apps satisfaction and continuance intention. Interestingly, the findings of multi-group analysis imply that female Gen Y app users are more satisfied than males while such differences do not impact their continuance intention to use the retail apps. The findings also suggested that frequency of using apps has no relevance to retail apps user satisfaction, but highly relevant to their continuance intention to use retail Apps services.
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John Sammut and Jessica Friggieri
The financial crisis that hit countries worldwide in 2007 tested and tried deposit guarantee schemes (DGSs) and their ability to protect consumers’ bank deposits. The crisis also…
Abstract
The financial crisis that hit countries worldwide in 2007 tested and tried deposit guarantee schemes (DGSs) and their ability to protect consumers’ bank deposits. The crisis also served as a reality check for regulators, institutions and the general public alike. Against this backdrop, there was a significant rationale by governments and regulators to protect consumers and at the same time maintain financial stability through expansion of coverage offered in existing DGS arrangements or setting up such a scheme where this was not already in place.
Consumers need other possible safety net in addition to the already set-up lender-of-last resort facilities provided by central banks, banking supervision regulations, assistance granted by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank and also the recently enacted EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD).
In this chapter the authors evaluated whether the launch of a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) as a single deposit guarantee in Europe which is now being recognised as one of the three main pillars, together with the single supervisory and resolution mechanisms, would enhance depositors’ protection in times of banking crisis and also reinforce financial stability in the EU as part of the proposed Banking Union.
The chapter made reference to academic literature and also recent EDIS political dossier to outline the developments. Apart from political insensitivity to the proposed EDIS, the chapter also concluded that the introduction of EDIS raises questions about moral hazard amongst banks in the EU, issues on bank’s contributions during the transition period and difficulty in comparing banks across EU countries through banks’ deposits and risk profiles.
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Zuzana Brokešová and Tomáš Ondruška
Purpose: To systematically identify and critically analyse the challenges and opportunities for the development of internal controls in the insurance industry within the new…
Abstract
Purpose: To systematically identify and critically analyse the challenges and opportunities for the development of internal controls in the insurance industry within the new technological revolution Industry 5.0.
Need for the study: Effective internal controls are essential for maintaining financial integrity, protecting policyholder interests and complying with regulatory requirements. Covering risk, the insurance industry helps to protect companies and households from financial losses resulting from adverse situations. Financial stability of these institutions is crucial for financial well-being of society, reinforced in the current period of technological revolution Industry 5.0.
Methodology: Detailed review of current literature and existing practices regarding traditional internal controls in the insurance industry including the framework analysis for further development related to a technological shift. We also use the impact analysis of Industry 5.0 characterised by the integration of novel technologies and cyber–physical systems that alters the landscape for internal controls.
Findings: The impact of Industry 5.0 on the insurance industry can be summarised in three areas: (1) changes in risk leading to changes in demand for insurance, (2) changes in internal processes and (3) changes in competition in the insurance industry. While insurance companies are complex institutions, developments in all these areas are closely linked to business success. We conclude that this technological shift could help insurers to reduce costs associated with previously manual and repetitive activities.
Practical implications: Adaptation of internal controls in insurance industry by technological innovations in Industry 5.0 could increase the transparency of financial integrity, following the increase in the protection of policyholders’ interests.
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The objective of this work is to analyse worldwide trends in financial supervision architectures. The focus is on the key issue in the debate – the single supervisor versus…
Abstract
The objective of this work is to analyse worldwide trends in financial supervision architectures. The focus is on the key issue in the debate – the single supervisor versus multiauthority model – in order to build up indexes of supervision unification, essential to perform studies on the causes and effects of various supervisory regimes. First, the paper introduces a Financial Authorities’ Concentration (FAC) Index. A comparative analysis of 69 countries confirmed that an increase in the degree of concentration of supervisory powers is evident in the developed countries, and particularly in the European Union. Secondly, the paper considers the nature of the institutions to which control responsibilities are entrusted. In particular, the role the central bank plays in the various national institutional settings is examined. An index of the central bank’s involvement in financial supervision is introduced, the Central Bank as Financial Authority (CBFA) Index. Each national institutional structure can be identified with the two above characteristics. Two models are the most frequent: (a) countries with a high level of unification of powers and weak central bank involvement (single financial authority regimes); and, (b) countries with a low level of unification of powers and strong central bank involvement (central bank dominated multiple supervisor regimes). A trade‐off therefore emerges between the degree of financial sector unification and the role of the central bank. Two possible explanations of this relationship emerged: the blurring hazard effect and the monopolistic bureau effect.
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Vjosë Latifi, Agron Hajdari, Gadaf Rexhepi, Uran Radoniqi, Besnik A. Krasniqi and Andreas Kallmuenzer
The purpose of this research is to explore the relationships between entrepreneurial engagement and their impact on happiness and well-being. By exploring deeper into these…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to explore the relationships between entrepreneurial engagement and their impact on happiness and well-being. By exploring deeper into these relationships, this study seeks to move beyond traditional perspectives on entrepreneurship and uncover new insights.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data collection through an online questionnaire across diverse social media platforms investigates the relationships among entrepreneurial engagement, well-being and happiness. It also examines the moderation effects of work–life balance and financial stability on these relationships.
Findings
This study reveals a positive association between entrepreneurship, well-being and happiness. Financial stability positively correlates with entrepreneurship, whereas work–life balance moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial engagement, well-being and happiness.
Research limitations/implications
The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases. Future longitudinal research could offer a more comprehensive understanding of these processes over time.
Practical implications
This study provides new insights into the impact of entrepreneurship on well-being and happiness, offering practical recommendations for the business community. It highlights the importance of work–life balance and financial stability in entrepreneurial success.
Social implications
The research underscores the societal impact of supporting entrepreneurship, suggesting that policymakers and community leaders can use these findings to create supportive environments that enhance well-being and happiness through entrepreneurial engagement.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study includes the first research that has analysed the impact of entrepreneurship on well-being and happiness in the Republic of Kosovo.
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This study investigate the impact of social activism on financial system stability.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigate the impact of social activism on financial system stability.
Design/methodology/approach
Financial stability was analysed from two complementary perspectives: bank-led financial stability and financial system stability driven by sector-wide credit supply. Social activism was analysed from three perspectives: gender equality advocacy, environmental sustainability advocacy and social protection advocacy.
Findings
The findings reveal that gender equality and environmental sustainability advocacy have significant positive effects for financial stability, whereas social protection advocacy has a significant negative effect for financial stability. In addition, social activism has negative effects for financial stability in the post-2008 financial crisis era. Finally, there are differential effects for country-groups, for instance, social activism strongly improves bank-led financial stability in African countries and for BLEND countries (countries that are eligible for International Development Association (IDA) borrowing based on per capita income levels and are also creditworthy for some borrowing from the International Bank of Restructuring and Development). The findings are relevant for the on-going debate about whether social inclusivity and activism has any economic value for the stability of businesses and the financial system. The findings have implications.
Research limitations/implications
The implication for policy-making is that the pressure on, or commitment of, financial institutions to be socially inclusive in all social matters such as gender equality, environmental sustainability and social protection does not guarantee stability in the financial system – whether bank-led financial stability or sector-wide financial stability. Therefore, regulators should ensure that financial institutions exercise careful discretion when adjusting their risk models to include all “social risk” factors amidst the recent pressure on corporations to be socially inclusive.
Practical implications
Another implication for business practice is that business leaders in financial institutions should identify the optimal level of social inclusivity that improves the stability of their corporations, because it would seem counterproductive if business leaders adopt full-scale social inclusion (or considerations) that subsequently make their corporations financially unstable which could lead to loss of shareholders wealth.
Originality/value
This study is the first attempt to investigate the impact of social activism on financial stability to determine whether greater social activism promotes stability or instability in the financial system.
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Edgardo Demaestri and Federico Guerrero
Aims to review the potential risks associated with the separation of banking regulation from the orbit of the central bank in Latin‐American and Caribbean countries (LAC).
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to review the potential risks associated with the separation of banking regulation from the orbit of the central bank in Latin‐American and Caribbean countries (LAC).
Design/methodology/approach
Sets out information on the banking regulators in LAC and on the current degree of involvement of the central bank in banking regulation; the main monetary policy issues connected to the separation of banking regulation from the central bank; and the main banking regulation issues involved.
Findings
The separation of banking regulation from the central bank would not present any great danger to LAC currently. However, the need to conduct the move in accordance with best principles must be emphasized.
Originality/value
Given the fertile ground offered by the countries of LAC, this paper presents arguably the most comprehensive examination to date of this “hot potato”.
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Richard Angelous Kotey, Richard Akomatey and Baah Aye Kusi
This study examines the possible nonlinear effect of size on stakeholder and shareholder profitability in the Ghanaian insurance brokerage industry.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the possible nonlinear effect of size on stakeholder and shareholder profitability in the Ghanaian insurance brokerage industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a panel dataset of 64 Ghanaian insurance brokerage firms spanning 2011–2015. Static [ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effect and random effect and dynamic (two-step generalized method of moments (GMM))] estimation techniques are employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The study finds the existence of both economies and diseconomies of scale and scope theories in the Ghanaian insurance brokerage industry confirming the existence of nonlinear nexus between size and performance. This finding is consistent for both stakeholder and shareholder profit performance. Thus, the results show that size improves profitability of insurance brokerage firms, but beyond a certain threshold, the relationship turns negative as size negatively affects profitability.
Practical implications
The research findings have implications for both policy and research; the study recommends that Ghanaian brokerage managers should understand that not all growth is good and exercise a duty of care when applying growth strategies by monitoring size effect on performance so as not to go beyond the inflection point. Further research can be done to examine this effect in other contexts, timeframes and jurisdictions.
Originality/value
This research is unique in that it employs a panel dataset consisting of 96% of insurance brokerage firms in Ghana whilst employing both static and nonstatic regression models to examine the effect of size. The research analysis adopted is robust, and the findings are significant. Also, the lack of empirical studies on the operations and dealings of auxiliary institutions such as the insurance brokerage firms adds value to this research.
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Carien Bakker, Siebrich de Vries and Kees de Glopper
This exploratory study investigates the extent to which lesson study (LS) in initial teacher education (ITE) teams address subject-pedagogical aspects during their conversations…
Abstract
Purpose
This exploratory study investigates the extent to which lesson study (LS) in initial teacher education (ITE) teams address subject-pedagogical aspects during their conversations and what subject-pedagogical aspects are addressed.
Design/methodology/approach
The two-case design of the study – one LS team in ITE comprised of an ST and experienced teachers and one comprised of an ST and novice teachers – is aimed to discover similarities and variations in their focus of attention.
Findings
The conversations of both LS teams were to a large degree about subject-pedagogical aspects. Both teams paid relatively less attention to discussing the themes “subject matter” and “learning objectives” and more to “pupils” learning and “teacher activities.” Concerning the theme of “pupils” learning, the LS team with experienced teachers focused more than the novice LS team on discussing the aspects “pupils” initial situation and “expected learning behavior.” The novice LS team focused more than the experienced team on discussing their observations of individual pupils' thinking.
Originality/value
The results indicate that LS in ITE with a mix of ST and experienced teachers can facilitate exchange on subject-pedagogical aspects of the research lesson. This may help develop and deepen the subject-pedagogical knowledge, views and routines of STs. The differences found between the two LS teams provide starting points for differentiation in the support of LS teams in ITE. Follow-up research could focus on the questions of whether and how LS teams in ITE bring more coherence to their attention for subject-pedagogical aspects of the lesson.